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Bahar gave WBAL-TV 11 News a preview of what the space will be transformed into to help change lives.

The space used to be three vacant homes and a bar in the 1200 block of Collington Avenue in east Baltimore. When it’s complete, it’ll be the Core Health Institute with 8,000 square-foot center where young people can learn about nutrition, martial arts and take computer classes – all things Bahar sees as life-changing alternatives.

"This project is an emergency. You know, we had the highest level of murders we had in almost in the history of Baltimore last year. That screams emergency. As we stand here speaking, there are children out here, they literally play outside every day because they have no place for them to go so we’re creating that place for young people to go," Bahar said.

Bahar, also the founder of the anti-violence group the 300 Men March, started construction in April. All of the money came from private donations, and more donations are needed to complete the project.

"As far as the return on investment, I just want to see more success stories come out of Core mentorship program and health and wellness programs (Bahar) has been running for the last 13 years. I've already seen the results. I'm sold already," private investor Marcel Umphery said.

"It’s really making sure the youth are not only being provided an outlet, but also being taught how to become young men in a productive way and in ways that will give them skills," private investor Rudy Ruiz said.

"When you give them an alternative, a place where they come seven days a week, every day, to receive some love, some nurturing, nurturing energy then it gives them what they deserve and what they were born in this world entitled to," Bahar said.

In addition to writing checks, local corporations and businesses also donated materials to help build the center. Bahar hopes to open the center by the start of the school year.